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An original song I wrote for my Mom, after my Dad died. My First FamilyI played my old Gibson L-00, and sang lead & harmony... Biab Realtracks used in this production: ~926:Bass, Acoustic, Jazz Waltz Sw 085 ~1700:Piano, Acoustic, Rhythm CountryWaltz Sw 085 JazzBrushesWaltz: a: Brushes b: Snare, Ride ~1453:Guitar, Acoustic, Soloist GypsyJazzLatinGonzalo Ev 165 ~1124:Fiddle, Background CountryWaltz Sw 085
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I haven't even finished listening to this yet, but I have to say, you have a wonderful Loudon Wainright III vibe here. Partly this is because of the topic (some of his own songs are about his parents and death) but man, you have that sound, and I mean this in a very good way.
Last edited by Mark Hayes; 01/16/22 06:36 AM.
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bloc-head,
Nice to meet the family.
Interesting write. And an interesting choice of RTs. The GypsyJazz soloist is a unique choice. Vocals are nice. The overall package has a feel that could have come out of an old Victrola...cool. I don't hear the LWIII vibe that Mark noted (I have a ton of his records - meaning LWIII, not Mark) - I got more of a Tom Lehrer or Mark Russell vibe... good company any way you slice it.
You've covered a lot of different styles in your posts so far. Looking forward to what comes next...
Cool stuff.
fj
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I haven't even finished listening to this yet, but I have to say, you have a wonderful Loudon Wainright III vibe here. Partly this is because of the topic (some of his own songs are about his parents and death) but man, you have that sound, and I mean this in a very good way. I'm sure I've probably heard some of Mr. Wainright's music sometime in the past, but I just can't remember. I will take it as a compliment. Thank you Mark. bloc-head,
Nice to meet the family.
Interesting write. And an interesting choice of RTs. The GypsyJazz soloist is a unique choice. Vocals are nice. The overall package has a feel that could have come out of an old Victrola...cool. I don't hear the LWIII vibe that Mark noted (I have a ton of his records - meaning LWIII, not Mark) - I got more of a Tom Lehrer or Mark Russell vibe... good company any way you slice it.
You've covered a lot of different styles in your posts so far. Looking forward to what comes next...
Cool stuff.
fj Thanks Floyd, I'll have to look up those guys you mentioned, and listen to their music. I played this song for a friend, and she asked about the Island mentioned in the 1st verse... I explained, that I was a Navy brat, born in Pearl Harbor...
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nice retro vibe comes across to me. i agree with the victrola comment. your very talented.
best. om
my songs....mixed for good earbuds...(fyi..my vocs on all songs..) https://soundcloud.com/alfsongs(90 songs created useing bb/rb) (lots of tips of mine in pg tips forum.)
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nice retro vibe comes across to me. i agree with the victrola comment. your very talented.
best. om well, I don't own a Victrola, but I have listened to lot of old Django & Stéphane Grappelli records... Thanks OM.
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bloc-head,
This has a nice open raw sound to it that really creates a unique vibe! Love the story telling in the verses! Super job on the vocals! Everything sounds really good! I would be interested in hearing that Gypsy Jazz soloist track played at half speed in this to see if it would work or not. Sometimes the results are pleasant and sometimes not. Thanks, Torrey
Edit: I meant to say guitar soloist
Last edited by Torrey Bliss; 01/18/22 05:05 AM.
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I'm with the other commenters - nice sound, good vocals, good write. I also agree that it's got a very retro sound, and it's a good match for the lyrics. Nice work! 
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
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We had a dear friend and bandmate who was a great gypsy jazz fiddler amongst other genres. So we have some familiarity with the feel.
As everybody has already stated everything is in the pocket. The write, the band, the vocal and the mix all work for us.
Well done!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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bloc-head,
This has a nice open raw sound to it that really creates a unique vibe! Love the story telling in the verses! Super job on the vocals! Everything sounds really good! I would be interested in hearing that Gypsy Jazz soloist track played at half speed in this to see if it would work or not. Sometimes the results are pleasant and sometimes not. Thanks, Torrey
Edit: I meant to say guitar soloist Thanks for the great feedback T... Yes the Gypsy solo licks on this, are very busy, but on the other hand, Django Reinhardt was way over the top with just a thumb & two fingers... a wild man... This PGM session player is a fine student of the master, Django... but, I should revisit this, and edit out some of the hot-licks. to better suit the song... Your comments & advice are always welcome, Torrey.
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A terrific song and performances by you. I think the two "jazz" elements get in the way of the song's vibe. They are excellent things but seem to have little or no relationship with the slower, gently rolling melody and backing. I can see the point of a shock solo - like Jimmy Page's flurry in Joe Cocker's version Bye Bye Blackbird...it divides the song into two parts and has significant shock value one of the solos in this excellent song could've done that but they recur and the shock value is lost.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I really liked this, I don't know what to compare it to, but it was quality through and through. Story was excellent, vocals good and the music interesting. The melody was superb. Another great effort from you!
As far as the guitar soloist, did you try RTs 1462, 1463 or 1464? They are waltz tracks and swing groove, more suited to your piece. The bpm is too fast, but you could experiment with that. Like Torrey says, sometimes half-time works, sometimes not. RT 1453 doesn't really work to my ears, but it wasn't horrible.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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bloc-head, Such an interesting performance! Very original. Nice tribute and great story telling. Enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
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I'm with the other commenters - nice sound, good vocals, good write. I also agree that it's got a very retro sound, and it's a good match for the lyrics. Nice work!  What can I say, I'm a retro kind of guy... I play old vintage guitars & basses thru old tweed Fender tube amps... Even my main keyboard is at least 30 years old... grin;-) so I'm Ok with retro... as always I appreciate you listening, and your thoughtful feedback. We had a dear friend and bandmate who was a great gypsy jazz fiddler amongst other genres. So we have some familiarity with the feel.
As everybody has already stated everything is in the pocket. The write, the band, the vocal and the mix all work for us.
Well done!
J&B I know you miss your friend & bandmate, and his Gypsy jazz influence... I too, have lost many bandmate friends, it's hard, but we carry on... Thanks so much for your friendly comments, and feedback... J&B are the best...
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Hi bloc-head Really good song Very varied and emotional Great singing Good work Many greetings Andi ;-)
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A terrific song and performances by you. I think the two "jazz" elements get in the way of the song's vibe. They are excellent things but seem to have little or no relationship with the slower, gently rolling melody and backing. I can see the point of a shock solo - like Jimmy Page's flurry in Joe Cocker's version Bye Bye Blackbird...it divides the song into two parts and has significant shock value one of the solos in this excellent song could've done that but there recur and the shock value is lost. Thanks for listening rayc, and thanks for the feedback. I really liked this, I don't know what to compare it to, but it was quality through and through. Story was excellent, vocals good and the music interesting. The melody was superb. Another great effort from you!
As far as the guitar soloist, did you try RTs 1462, 1463 or 1464? They are waltz tracks and swing groove, more suited to your piece. The bpm is too fast, but you could experiment with that. Like Torrey says, sometimes half-time works, sometimes not. RT 1453 doesn't really work to my ears, but it wasn't horrible. So glad you liked this, and I appreciate your comments. Mighty glad it wasn't horrible...
Bandcamp Win-11; BiaB-2026 Audiophile (latest version) Cakewalk Sonar; Melodyne-5; Scaler 3; NI Komplete: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
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This is so cool!...have you ever seen the movie "A Prairie Home Companion"? This piece reminds me of the charm of that movie....the storytelling is so homespun and nostalgic with the perfect music compliment...man I really enjoyed this...I'm not sure you're a bloc-head after all 
www.soundclick.com/firesongBiaB 2024, Steinberg Cubase Pro 13, Wavelab 11.2, SpetraLayers Pro 10, Audacity, Steinberg UR44 Interface, Yamaha Genos, Roland FP60 and FP10, Windows 10 You are who you are because you do what you do because of what you believe.
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Hi Bloc-Head,
Thoroughly enjoyed your song - well done.
Best Regards Nigel
Nigel Spiers Christchurch, New Zealand info@nzacoustics.com
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bloc-head, Such an interesting performance! Very original. Nice tribute and great story telling. Enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing.
Misha. Thank you Misha, I am really glad you enjoyed it. Hi bloc-head Really good song Very varied and emotional Great singing Good work Many greetings Andi ;-) Thanks Andi, and Many greetings to you too... ;-)
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Wow, a great story well-told. I bet your mom and brother loved it!! Well sung and the perfect choices for the band, bloc-head. Man, that Gibson sings beautifully in your hands. Well done all around. Very entertaining.
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